Big Hearts Rescue has a special place in our hearts for special needs pets. What we tend to see most of are FIV positive cats. These cats are wonderful companions and are looked over often because many do not understand much about the disease. This page is dedicated to giving you more information about FIV and how cats that are afflicted with it can live long healthy lives.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus. It attacks the immune system, and as a result, the cat is unable to fight off various infections and cancers. Retroviruses are species-specific. This means a feline retrovirus like FIV will only infect cats; a human retrovirus such as HIV will only infect humans. Retroviruses are fragile, being easily inactivated by ultraviolet light, heat, detergents, and drying.
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV is NOT transmitted by prolonged close contact, as is the case for feline leaukemia. FIV is shed in the saliva and is transmitted by bite wounds.
FIV transmission in utero or through the mother's milk is very rare. Mother cats infected with FIV prior to the pregnancy usually have noninfected kittens.
How common is FIV?
FIV is found worldwide in domestic cats, and also infects wild felines including snow leopards, lions, tigers, jaguars, Florida panthers, and bobcats. Although the virus was first isolated in 1987, we know the virus has existed for many years. It is most common in outdoor, free-roaming cats. In the United States, 1-8 percent of apparently healthy cats are infected with FIV. Male cats are twice as likely to become infected with FIV as female cats. Free-roaming cats are also more likely to be infected since they too are more susceptible to bite wounds.
How does the virus cause disease?
FIV infection in cats has three stages, just like HIV infection in humans. The initial or acute stage of FIV infection is often characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a susceptibility to skin or intestinal infections. This stage generally occurs 4-6 weeks after being exposed to the virus. The second stage is a latent or subclinical stage in which we see no signs of disease. This stage can last for many years. During this stage, the immune system may slowly be destroyed. When the immunodeficiency becomes severe, the third stage of infection occurs. The third stage is the final or AIDS-like stage, and occurs most commonly in cats 5-12 years of age. (feline leukemia is seen most often in cats 1-5 years of age.) During this final, clinical stage, the cat's immune system is not functioning correctly since the virus kills essential cells.
Many of our board members and volunteeers have cats that are FIV positive and live with non-FIV positive cats. Please consider one of our FIV positive cats as a companion, as they truly are wonderful pets. We are honored to be a part of their lives.
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